Keski-Suomen Betonirakenne Oy has expanded its operations to Sweden and established a subsidiary, KSBR Sverige AB. KSBR is aiming for growth in Sweden, particularly in industrial construction. The expansion is part of the company’s long-term strategy.

“For several years now, our strategy has been to expand to Sweden when we find a suitable project there. We started negotiating a project up in northern Sweden at the beginning of the year, and when it was confirmed, we quickly set up the new company,” says CEO Tuomas Skantz.

According to Skantz, the internationalisation of the business is a natural extension of KSBR, which has been in operation for 20 years.

“We have a very strong track record in large wind and industrial projects, so it is natural to go for projects in areas where we’re already really strong in the Finnish market.”

An attractive market beckons

One reason KSBR is headed west is the quieter period for industry and wind power in Finland.

“The Swedish market is more attractive, and there will be plenty of big projects there in the future.”

KSBR has recruited extensively over the summer. According to Skantz, the employee search is tied to the kick-off of operations in Sweden – but also to the company’s strong order book.

“We also have a lot of ongoing projects in Finland, so we need more personnel for both companies.

Marko Leppänen, Industrial Director, has been involved in the subsidiary’s launch and mentions several dozen KSBR professionals who are already working in northern Sweden.

“Their total manpower can reach nearly a hundred. The distance is almost the same as from Central Finland to Helsinki for them,” estimates Leppänen.

Backed by a good network

Johanna Takanen, Chair of the Board of KSBR Sverige, is leading the project in northern Sweden.

“KSBR already provides services in Finland to a number of Swedish and Swedish-based companies. We’ve built a reputation for reliability and high quality among these companies, which we consider a significant advantage in growing our business in Sweden,” says Takanen.

According to statistics from the Lapland Chamber of Commerce, EUR 77 billion will be invested in industry, energy, infrastructure – among other fields – in northern Sweden alone in the coming years.